Sandberg said Sunday that he had previously held discussions with Bowa about trying Ruf at third as an option for him to get some grounders. Still, Sandberg doesn't foresee third base being an option in Ruf's future.

"He's a good fielder at first base, and he has a good arm," Sandberg said. "So it just kind of happened in an emergency situation [Saturday] night."

Ruf played one inning at third, easily handling the lone ball hit to him. It was his first time playing the position in the majors. He had played in only three games at third in the minors, all coming at High-A Clearwater in 2011.

Ruf had to borrow third baseman Cody Asche's glove because he doesn't own an infielder's glove. Ruf said he was definitely surprised to play third.

"I think Bowa wanted me over the last couple of weeks to maybe think about taking groundballs at third," Ruf said Sunday. "When he actually told me to do it, I think he wanted to see me over there, but it is what it is I guess."

Ruf hasn't seen much playing time lately, but he's not worried about showcasing his talents in the final two months of the season. He has started only two games since July 25 and is hitting .176 with one RBI in nine games since rejoining the team from Triple-A.

"It's difficult, but it's a role that I have to get used to, a role that I'm having to get used to right now," Ruf said. "No excuses for not going out there and performing well, but I just need to keep getting my work in in the cage, things like that, stay fresh, probably be more aggressive in certain situations and come off the bench and have a good at-bat."

Papelbon excited about bullpen

Closer Jonathan Papelbon loves to talk up the Phillies' bullpen, which is becoming a strength amid a disappointing season.

With a relatively young bullpen – four of the relievers are 26 or younger – Papelpon tries to lead by example and always be available to answer any questions they may have.

"We're a unit down there, a family inside of a family in the bullpen," Papelbon said. "We've got a good working relationship, and I think that goes a long way. … We've got a good leader in there in [bullpen coach] Rod [Nichols], who lets us be who we are and lets us evolve into the players that we're going to be. That's a good recipe for success."

Extra innings

Prospect Tommy Joseph, a catcher who was acquired in the Hunter Pence trade, will undergo left wrist surgery Tuesday. The former 2009 second round pick of the Giants has also missed time this season because of concussion issues. … Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown has a tonsil infection and will be seen by team doctors Monday in Philadelphia. … Right-hander Hector Neris was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley before Sunday's game. Neris posted has a 3.82 ERA in 40 appearances at Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading this year.

Contact Meghan Montemurro at mmontemurro@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter at @M_Montemurro.